Cultivating Unity

Posted on March 25, 2015 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

Cultivation requires effort, care, labor, study. Cultivation does not imply spontaneous generation. Godly relationships take time, preparation, effort. Some develop smoothly; others seem to have more rocks and weeds.

There are a number of attributes that characterize godly relationships. For our purposes today, I will focus briefly on one: Unity.

In numerous places in the Bible we are called to like-mindedness, to have unity in the Spirit.

Cultivate unity.
“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, or one mind…” Philippians 2:1-2

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Psalm 133:1

“…endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace…” Ephesians 4:3

Does this mean we can’t have opinions? Does like-minded require we think the same about everything?
NO. But ultimately it will require compromise and choosing to come into agreement with the other person because you are motivated by glorifying God. Coming into agreement means you choose to agree. You cease to murmur. You stop talking to others about your own opinion. You support the decision. Sometimes she compromises, sometimes you compromise. You seek like-mindedness based on what you DO have in common, not what you don’t have in common.

Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is a Biblical Counselor, women’s conference and retreat speaker and author. She serves as the Director of Partner Care and Director of Women’s Ministries at America’s Keswick. She and her husband John have 2 married children and 4 grandchildren. She loves reveling in warm sunny climates and playing with her grandchildren.